Chris Mortenson of ESPN is reporting that Bates is following Pete Carroll up to Seattle:
The Chicago Bears have been informed that Jeremy Bates, who was scheduled to interview for their offensive coordinator's job, has decided to accept the same job with Carroll and the Seahawks, two sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen on Sunday night.
A source said Bates was tempted to be reunited with Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, but the long-term security with Carroll was a major factor in his decision to join the Seahawks rather than the Bears. Bates was Cutler's offensive coordinator with the Broncos in 2008.
The Bears' options for the position now include Mike Martz, Jedd Fisch and Bill Musgrave, league sources told Schefter.
I guess this puts Martz in the lead. Green Bay just got eliminated, so Clements would be available to interview right away, however, the Bears' would need to secure permission to do so.
Dan Pompeii however says not so fast:
ESPN reported late Sunday that Bates told the Bears he would take the offensive coordinator job with Carroll in Seattle instead of taking a similar job with the Bears because of job security, but that could not be confirmed.
Any of you frequent flyers see Bates at O'Hare this morning?
Hemet tip to SamuraiMike50.